Review of 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency'

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
1st book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series

Precious Ramotswe is Botswana's only female private detective and this charming book tells the story of her life as well as about some of her cases. I found the style of the book to be very compelling with Smith including many references to the local culture of Botswana. The chapters containing various cases that Mme Ramotswe takes on are interspersed with other chapters telling her story – her loving father that died just as she started her agency, her failed marriage, and the tragic death of her mother. The writing is crystal clear – filled with wit and humour throughout. A wonderful, light, read.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Genre: African

• Tears of the Giraffe (Book 2)
• Morality for Beautiful Girls (Book 3)
• The Kalahari Typing School for Men (Book 4)
• The Full Cupboard of Life (Book 5)
• In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (Book 6)
• Blue Shoes and Happiness (Book 7)
• The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (Book 8)
• The Miracle at Speedy Motors (Book 9)
• Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (Book 10)
• The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (Book 12)

• 44 Scotland Street (Book 1 of 44 Scotland Street)